Acclaimed dance work to kick off arts festival

THE southern-most arts festival in the world is back and ready to treat Southland audiences to some of the best of New Zealand arts.

The Southland Arts Festival, now in its 11th year, has released its programme for 2019, with 25 individual events in contemporary dance, theatre, music, comedy and literary arts on offer.

The festival opens on April 10 with the New Zealand Dance Company’s acclaimed work, Kiss the Sky, and conclude on May 16 with the world renowned Brodsky Quartet.

Venture Southland creative projects manager and festival director Angela Newell said the programme had been built upon the success of the past 10 years.

“There is something for everyone in this year’s programme with shows that will challenge, entertain and captivate audiences all at the same time.”

Tickets for The Dust Palace Company’s production Human went on sale earlier this month.

Newell said the show had already received great interest with ticket sales exceeding expectations to date.

Trick of the Light’s The Road That Wasn’t There. Photo: Supplied

Alongside Human, festival-goers could look forward to a return visit from Trick of The Light, last here in 2016 with their popular Bookbinder show, who combine puppetry, shadow play and live music for The Road That Wasn’t There which would also have signed interpretation for the Deaf.

Newell said each show would bring something different, so whether they were fans of music, dance, theatre or literary arts, people would not be disappointed with the range of choice available.

“From up-and-coming band, The Killergrams to the party show The Beatgirls, we are also lucky enough to have the important piece of theatre, Jane Doe, and powerful one-man show, Shot Bro,by Rob Mokaraka, both of which will bring topical issues into the public arena.”

The BeatGirls. Photo: Stephen ACourt.

A copy of the festival programme can be found online at southlandnz.com.

Tickets for the festival events can be purchased online at ticketdirect.co.nz or from the Southland Chamber of Commerce, ICC Booking Office or ILT Stadium Southland.